Hayashi 8 Year Old is a Ryukyu whisky from Okinawa, Japan, made from Okinawan Indica rice and black koji, aged eight years in bourbon casks and bottled at 43% ABV.
Ryukyu, the historic name for the islands of Okinawa, has a long tradition of distilling rice with black koji mould. Hayashi applies that tradition to whisky, maturing its single grain rice spirit in ex-bourbon casks for eight years in Okinawa's warm, humid climate.
The nose has a concentrated fruitiness of dried mango, passion fruit, baked orange, fresh oak and caramel. The palate is light, with vanilla, stewed fruits, baked apple, prune, ripe fig and oak tannin, making it a pleasant, easy sipper.
Its elegant box, with calligraphy and mountain artwork, makes it a distinctive gift for Japanese whisky explorers.
Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in a highball.
Japanese whisky has earned a worldwide reputation for balance and precision, and limited releases from its historic distilleries are among the most sought-after bottles for collectors.
Rice gives a whisky a lighter, softer body than barley or corn, while black koji, the same mould used in traditional Okinawan spirits, adds fruity, slightly savoury depth. Eight years in bourbon casks layers vanilla and caramel over that tropical fruit, making it an approachable introduction to a very different side of Japanese whisky.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Dried mango, passion fruit, baked orange and caramel.
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Palate: Vanilla, stewed fruit, baked apple, fig and oak.
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Grain: Okinawan Indica rice with black koji.
Specifications
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Brand: Hayashi
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Style: Ryukyu Whisky (single grain rice whisky)
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Grain: Indica rice, black koji
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Age: 8 years
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Proof / ABV: 86 proof (43% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Bourbon casks
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Region: Okinawa, Japan
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Size: 700ml
How to Enjoy It
Enjoy it neat, over ice, or in a highball with soda. It pairs with sushi, tropical fruit or grilled fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ryukyu whisky?
Whisky from Okinawa, here made from Indica rice and black koji.
How old is it?
Eight years, aged in bourbon casks.
What does it taste like?
Tropical fruit, caramel, vanilla and baked apple.
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